Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Jubilee Festival here in beautiful weather. Bonfires on the hills. From Shenlow Hill the signals from the Malvern Hills and the rockets from the Wrekin as well as 63 bonfires were seen.

The Salvation Army held a meeting on the green at Burdrop this evening, having come over from their “Barracks” at Hook Norton. I had a smaller congregation than usual in consequence.

Saw Mr Oddie at Sibford Ferris this evening. He told me that the Salvation Army people at Hook Norton had applied for the use of the Friends’ Mission Room, which was refused.

Trustees meeting at 2pm in School Room. Mr Samuel Bird’s offer to take Heath Farm at £100 per annum accepted.

Cold. Sent out notices to Sibford Ferris Allotment tenants who have not paid their rents.

Bonner called about school attendance, but as there was a holiday, “Sibford Wake”, he did not see the children in school.

Joseph John Lamb killed by falling from a chestnut tree opposite his house.

Met John Routh as I went for a short walk after 10pm. “Goodnight, your honoured Reverence”, said he, as he usually does. Pretty good for a Quaker!

Dedication of reredos in Swalcliffe Church, cost £95 left by Canon Payne. It is in mosaic and represents our Saviour delivering the keys to St Peter.

Jubilee Oak planted opposite the Vicarage.

Riot in London on account of Sir Charles Warren and the government prohibiting all meetings in Trafalgar Square. Troops were called out and about 4,000 policemen. Blood flowed freely.

Penny Readings and Musical Entertainment in School Rooms this evening.

Mr. Oddie read a humorous poem on the planting of the Jubilee Oak, which appears to have been either his or Mrs Oddie’s composition.

John Lively commenced thatching at the Vicarage.

Hannah Legg sent early this morning to ask me to lend her 10/- on her coal ticket in February, in order to get some boots for her boy Jesse Lively. I sent her 10/-.

Joshua Lamb called for poor rate for Loggin Land, Sibford Ferris. He told me that James Lines (soldier) and George Buckingham – both married – had set out this morning to walk to Manchester in search of work on the new Ship Canal. Work here is very scarce. I have been told by several that no less than 43 men applied at Coles’s at the Elm one day last week for work.